By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation rep Gavin Ivory reported preliminary year-end figures to announce one of their best years ever.
They raised at least $6.8-million, “which should be a record year – over the last 10 years, we’ve averaged just over $4-million per year,” Ivory said.
“Approximately 15% for total costs, and the remainder to the hospital.”
The credit for that, he said, “rests solely on the community.”
In its fifth year, their record Healing Hands campaign (with a goal of $25-million) is currently focusing on inviting staff to participate.
“Thanks to Lakeland Multitrade, all donations from hospital staff will be doubled,” he added.
Going forward, Ivory listed four areas of focus – growth, communications, relationships and accountability to build trust.
With winter waning, he said, they are starting to anticipate one of their favourite annual events, Wine and Ale in the Park. It happens June 27 this year, and tickets go on sale May 15.
Unable to attend in person, Auxiliary representative Selena Forsyth sent her report to the board, announcing a $207,000 donation (more than half of which – $143,000 – is accounted for by their Petticoat Lane thrift shop).
It’s “our largest donation since 2017, and the third-largest one in our 100-year history,” Forsyth bragged.
She was also pleased to announce that recruitment efforts are paying off, and the volunteer corps is approaching pre-pandemic levels.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that there’s not another auxiliary like ours in Ontario, and probably Canada,” her report said.
